Percipient thought-pieces and opinions from some of
the world’s most respected industry leaders.
As we kick off this month's animation focus, Ric Comline, Creative Director at Blind Pig, and champion of the versatile motion designer, poses a question; are all animators are born equal? Maybe, he says. But, also, maybe not.
While brands might request diversity in a campaign’s cast, are enough really pushing for difference? Alexandra Green, director at Bullion, explains why directors need to lead the charge for change.
Despite increasing queer visibility in advertising, transgender and non-binary representation remains a minefield for brands – with the Bud Light backlash a stark reminder of the risks of getting it wrong. Selena Schleh speaks to members and allies of the trans+ community about proper pronouns and performative versus true brand allyship.
Brand activism and purpose are tied at the hip these days, and the results can be spectacular – even more so when the risks are high. Here, Tim Cumming talks to risk-taking creatives in the UK, America and the Middle East about the power and perils of brand activism
Olaf van Gerwen, director and founder of food marketing company Chuck Studios, reveals why AI-induced insecurity may be good for us.
Advertising is often thought of as an irresponsible industry that makes people buy things they don't need, with money they don't have, at the expense of our planet. Josh Tenser, ECD and co-founder of new creative collective, Calling, explains how when we question our own intentions and maintain integrity on an individual level, we can help to create meaningful change from the inside out.
Despite a plethora of social media platforms, many of them get a thumbs down when it comes to accessibility tools and accessibility-oriented site policies. With 16% of the global population living with significant disabilities, Christina Miller, Head of Social at VMLY&R, says that brands can't afford to treat those people as an afterthought.
Would you work on a campaign for an arms company? Probably not. A tobacco company? No, it's illegal. At least it is in the UK, but how about elsewhere in the world? And what about fossil fuel? Or sugary drinks? Or alcohol? Moral decisions can sometimes be a maze of 'ifs and buts' and, as The Moon Unit outlines, while a moral framework is incredibly important, it's also fraught with dilemmas.
We kick off our Purpose-led and Politics Focus for this month with Louise Robertson, Senior Lead of Brand Strategy at ScienceMagic, examining cancel culture's seven deadly sins and how brands' attempts at sustainability are being undermined by a quest for unattainable perfection.